On my forthcoming holiday in Tokyo, in addition to seeing the sites, Im desperate to really interact with the locals...but as a rather shy Gaijin, Im unsure of the best places to do so...
I speak a little, faltering Japanese, and Im eager to put it to use, but worried that my few words of Japanese will provoke more laughter than praise!
Where are the friendliest places one can interact with the people of Tokyo?
2006-09-20 10:19:32 · 5 answers · asked by GLOWlad 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
First of all, don't be shy. No one will laugh at you when you try to speak Japanese. Everyone is very kind. Whenever I try to speak Japanese everyone is happily surprised and gives me encouragement to continue studying. You'll have no problems meeting people and making friends. Again, don't be shy. Be open and you'll have a better vacation.
In Tokyo, Shibuya, Roppongi, Ginza and Shinjuku all are social areas. You'll make many friends there.
2006-09-20 13:28:23 · answer #1 · answered by Adam 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Be yourself. Don't "interact". Just get out and explore the city. When people visit Japan, they go with their own stereotypes and misinformation. This is usually a sore point with most Japanese people. If you go with the intent to learn and a humble, teachable attitude, you will be amazed at how many people want to become your friends. Have fun and be you. Remember, a smile is translated into any language. Use it often.
(Most Japanese people will be excited to help you learn Japanese, if you have a language question, ask.)
2006-09-21 02:15:15 · answer #2 · answered by tankgirl190 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they laugh at your Japanese, then that is the first step to melting the barriers. There are Gaijins on tv that are loved in Japan BECAUSE they speak broken Japanese!
What the person above said is true, however I tried to look at it at a different angle. How about going to parties held at "English cafes"? The Japanese that participate are trying to learn English so you won't have to worry about your Japanese skills. I have looked up some on the internet. I have never tried it, but this is just a suggestion.
2006-09-20 20:59:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The preferred tool for melting the ice in Japan is alcohol. Go to any Izakaya (Japanese bar) and club which has a lot of young people milling about, and hang out there. Around 10 or 11 O'clock drunk folks will start socializing and you'll make some good drunk friends. Just watch out for the vomit later.
2006-09-20 21:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by matatabe 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2006-09-21 04:14:06 · answer #5 · answered by bhgyth 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋